Table Of ContentMichael Jordan: A
Biography
David L. Porter
Greenwood Press
MICHAEL JORDAN
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MICHAEL JORDAN
A Biography
David L. Porter
GREENWOOD BIOGRAPHIES
GREENWOOD PRESS
WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT (cid:127) LONDON
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Porter, David L., 1941-
Michael Jordan : a biography / David L. Porter.
p. cm. — (Greenwood biographies, ISSN 1540–4900)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-33767-3 (alk. paper)
ISBN-10: 0-313-33767-5 (alk. paper)
1. Jordan, Michael, 1963- 2. Basketball players—United States—
Biography. I. Title.
GV884.J67P67 2007
796.323092—dc22
[B] 2007009605
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data is available.
Copyright © 2007 by David L. Porter
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be
reproduced, by any process or technique, without the
express written consent of the publisher.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2007009605
ISBN-13: 978–0–313–33767–3
ISBN-10: 0–313–33767–5
ISSN: 1540–4900
First published in 2007
Greenwood Press, 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
An imprint of Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc.
www.greenwood.com
Printed in the United States of America
The paper used in this book complies with the
Permanent Paper Standard issued by the National
Information Standards Organization (Z39.48–1984).
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
CONTENTS
Series Foreword vii
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction xi
Timeline of Events in the Life of Michael Jordan xv
Chapter 1 The Formative Years, 1963–1984 1
Chapter 2 The Building Years, 1984 –1988 23
Chapter 3 The Ascendant Years, 1988 –1991 45
Chapter 4 The Triumphant and Transition Years, 1991–1995 73
Chapter 5 The Pinnacle Years, 1995–1998 99
Chapter 6 The Disappointing Years, 1999–2006 127
Chapter 7 The Legendary Jordan 149
Appendix: Michael Jordan Statistics 155
Annotated Bibliography 159
Index 165
Photo essay follows page 72.
SERIES FOREWORD
In response to high school and public library needs, Greenwood devel-
oped this distinguished series of full-length biographies specifically for
student use. Prepared by field experts and professionals, these engaging
biographies are tailored for high school students who need challenging yet
accessible biographies. Ideal for secondary school assignments, the length,
format, and subject areas are designed to meet educators’ requirements
and students’ interests.
Greenwood offers an extensive selection of biographies spanning all
curriculum-related subject areas including social studies, the sciences,
literature and the arts, history and politics, as well as popular culture,
covering public figures and famous personalities from all time periods and
backgrounds, both historic and contemporary, who have made an impact
on American and/or world culture. Greenwood biographies were chosen
based on comprehensive feedback from librarians and educators. Con-
sideration was given to both curriculum relevance and inherent interest.
The result is an intriguing mix of the well known and the unexpected, the
saints and sinners from long-ago history and contemporary pop culture.
Readers will find a wide array of subject choices from fascinating crime
figures like Al Capone to inspiring pioneers like Margaret Mead, from
the greatest minds of our time like Stephen Hawking to the most amazing
success stories of our day like J. K. Rowling.
While the emphasis is on fact, not glorification, the books are meant
to be fun to read. Each volume provides in-depth information about the
subject’s life from birth through childhood, the teen years, and adulthood.
viii SERIES FOREWORD
A thorough account relates family background and education, traces
personal and professional influences, and explores struggles, accomplish-
ments, and contributions. A timeline highlights the most significant life
events against a historical perspective. Bibliographies supplement the ref-
erence value of each volume.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Although I did not have an opportunity to interview Jordan, his four
memoirs provided numerous insights into the qualities that made him
a truly exceptional athlete and successful businessman. F or the Love of
the Game (1998) and D riven from Within (2005) were especially helpful
resources for information about his formative years.
This work especially benefited from the insights of four people who
have authored previous books about Jordan. Dean Smith’s A Coach ’ s
Life (1999) helped illuminate Jordan’s years at North Carolina, and Phil
Jackson’s S acred Hoops was an invaluable source for Jordan’s years with
the Chicago Bulls. David Halberstam’s P laying for Keeps (1999) gave me
a fuller understanding of how Jordan shaped the world around him, and
Walter LaFeber’s M ichael Jordan and the New Global Capitalism (1999) pro-
vided perspective on Jordan’s enormous influence beyond the basketball
court.
I also thank the William Penn University faculty, administration, and
students who listened to me share some of my ideas about Jordan at a
Chautauqua lecture in March of 2006. My wife, Marilyn, patiently lis-
tened to me relate numerous stories about Jordan.
Thanks to Kristi Ward, Esther Silverman, and Apex Publishing f or their
valuable editorial suggestions in the later stages of writing this book.
